Pochettino hits out after Spurs’ Milan misery

Pochettino hits out after Spurs’ Milan misery

Mauricio Pochettino hit back at people questioning his decision to leave Kieran Trippier and Toby Alderweireld at home as Tottenham lost 2-1 at Inter Milan.

An opening Champions League win was on the cards at the San Siro after Christian Eriksen put them ahead, but they capitulated as goals from Mauro Icardi and Matias Vecino in the final eight minutes of action gave Inter the points.

It was the first time Tottenham have lost three times in a row under Pochettino, who opted to leave World Cup semi-finalists Trippier and Alderweireld at home.

Tottenham have lost three games in a row for the first time ever under Mauricio Pochettino's management.

“Sorry, but I am so disappointed because I am a person that respects you a lot and the players.

“When my decision is to play with XI, you must respect my decision because I am the manager.

“You show too much disrespect for the players who play in the position as the players you have given me the names of now.

“I don’t understand. Sorry. You are so kind people, but I don’t understand why. Why? Please.

“To be a player is so difficult, and of course for me it is easier on the touchline. I don’t run. It is so painful to hear when some people are not here, and you judge in that way and you kill players who give their best. It’s so unfair.”

Inter celebrated their long-awaited return to the Champions League with a first win of the season and head coach Luciano Spalletti knows it was important to kick off a group that also contains Barcelona and PSV with a positive result.

He said: “You need to try and win these games because you have to go and play away.

“We are right at the start of the group, we need to try and secure the result.

“It was a magnificent win and the reaction at the end showed we are on the right path.”

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